Bees boss admits defeat over Blackett

BRENTFORD have been priced out of a move for Peterborough defender Shane Blackett.

So says Bees boss Andy Scott, who admits he's interested in the 26-year-old, but will not pay a fee for him.

The former Dagenham & Redbridge man, who has played for the England non-league team, can operate at both centre-back and left-back.

Scott said: "I’ve spoken to Shane’s agent, not just about Shane but also other players on his books, before the season finished.

"But Peterborough want a fee for him, and I’m not in a position to pay one. With the budget in mind, I’ve got more pressing positions to fill.

"Darren Ferguson knows I’m interested in Shane, but that’s as far as it goes unless the situation changes."

Scott could yet go back for another player he has been linked with, Shrewsbury right-back Ben Herd.

But he has admitted defeat in the chase for Northampton defender-cum-midfielder Jason Crowe, a former Brentford loanee nine years ago.

Scott added: "Ben is a friend of David Hunt’s who contacted me after he was released by Shrewsbury and asked if I’d be interested in him.

"He’s a free agent and a decent player, and I asked him to keep me informed about what he’s doing.

"Jason is like very much and I spoke to his agent very early on, but he’s massively out of our wage bracket, and I was told he’s getting substantial offers from other League One clubs we cannot match."